Work on Otley's new hospital has started again following the suspected Arson attack which caused an estimated £1million damage.

But experts are still unable to determine whether or not its opening will be delayed.

Construction teams have returned to the site after a fire ripped through the ground floor of the new £15 million Wharfedale Hospital building two weeks ago.

Fire chiefs initially believed the fire had caused severe structural damage to the building and its opening in a year's time is still in doubt.

An investigation has been launched by construction company HBG, which is responsible for the new hospital.

A team of experts, safety officers and structural engineers have been surveying the site and a full safety inspection has been carried out.

The community has battled for more than 20 years to get a new hospital and was due to open in July 2004.

A spokesman for HBG and the Leeds Teaching Hospital's NHS Trust said the investigation is continuing.

"Detailed surveys and investigations are continuing in order to fully analyse the potential cost and time issues following the unfortunate incident at Wharfedale Hospital.

"However, both HBG and the Trust are fully committed to delivering the new hospital as quickly and safely as possible.

"The construction team is now fully operational on site again and preparation of a programme to remediate the damage is in hand, whilst pressing ahead in unaffected areas.

"All parties are working closely together to ensure a successful outcome, with a first class new hospital facility being opened for the community at large.

"When there is a clear indication of the completion date, this will be announced."

Work on the hospital began last September and it will have 76 beds and departments will include outpatients, radiology, minor injuries and day surgery.

Arson is believed to have been the cause of the blaze which took eight fire crews and 40 firefighters more than two hours to bring under control.

A joint investigation into the fire has been launched by West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Fire Authority.

l A 15-year-old girl and a 20-year-old-man from Otley have been questioned and released on police bail in connection with the incident.